Thursday, October 21, 1999

Akili: Some teammates don't study

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QB wants Bengals to hit books as hard as they practice

BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Akili Smith practices Wednesday. (AP photo ) | ZOOM |

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        Bengals rookie quarterback Akili Smith thinks his teammates give 100 percent on the field. But he's not too sure when it comes to homework.

        After practice, Smith wondered if some Bengals heed coach Bruce Coslet's call to study.

        “When Bruce says, "Hey men, too many mental problems. Go home today and get into your playbook,' listen to the guy,” Smith said. “That's all I'm saying because I know I'm studying my butt off. Even if you're a veteran you still need to study to freshen your mind so you won't have those mistakes.”

        Smith said he studies two hours a night watching film and falling asleep while his playbook is propped up on pillows in front of him. He says he studies longest Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and goes out socially once a week.

        “Honestly, I don't know if everybody is going home and watching film,” Smith said. “Everybody is busting their butt on the field, in conditioning and in the weight room. But is everybody giving 100 percent with the film, with the study of the playbooks and the game plan?”

        Some defensive veterans vehemently disagreed with Smith's statement that some players aren't giving 100 percent. And Coslet said, “Akili needs to take care of Akili and everybody else is taking care of themselves. So I don't want to hear that kind of talk. I don't think there's any problem with our effort.”

        But Smith clarified it to say he only had questions about study habits and didn't think players had quit.

        In a quick chat before Wednesday's practice, some players couldn't decide if they should hold a players-only meeting.

        “Some people say, "let's do it,' and others say no. I would love to have a team meeting,” Smith said.

        “It's time for guys to get some stuff off their chests. We've still got 10 games left. Let's try to do the best we can. Everybody needs to stay positive and be accountable for yourself.”

        Veteran defensive end John Copeland, not a big fan of meetings, said, “(he can) call one if he wants one, he's the quarterback. Everyone will be there.”

        Defensive captain Takeo Spikes was cautious.

        “If you don't have it at the right time and for all the wrong reasons, it will just turn into a gripe session,” Spikes said. “That's how I think fingers start to get pointed.”

       

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